Criminal Complaint Filed Against Lobbyist Carlos Curbelo in Client Disclosure Scandal

The Florida Democratic Party today filed a criminal complaint with the U.S. Department of Justice in response to federal campaign documents that contradict Carlos Curbelo’s claims surrounding the ownership of his lobbying company.

The Criminal Complaint, found here, is addressed to Jack Smith, Chief of the Public Integrity Section of the U.S. Department of Justice, and states that Curbelo appears to have  “knowingly and willfully falsified and failed to report information required under the EIGA,” (Ethics in Government Act).

Among the evidence presented in the complaint: 

• Curbelo reported his wife as owner of Capitol Gains on his federal financial disclosure, though in interviews he claimed she had not worked as the firm since 2009.

• Curbelo did not report an ownership interest, directorship or officer position with Capitol Gains, a company he founded, on his federal financial disclosure.

• In disclosing his occupation and employer to federal campaign committees, Curbelo listed himself as “owner,” “President,” and “principal” of Capitol Gains.

• If Curbelo were owner of Capitol Gains, he would be required to identify any clients of the firm for which he personally performed services in 2012 or 2013 that generated fees for the firm in excess of $5,000